LOS ANGELES (Jan. 25, 2016) - A 17-year-old senior at Abraham Lincoln High is among only 12 students worldwide to earn a perfect score on the AP Calculus exam, amassing every point possible in one of the most difficult college-level tests.

Cedrick Argueta was among 302,532 students to take the Advanced Placement Calculus AB exam, which tests the fundamental theories of calculus in a series of multiple-choice and free-response problems.

“L.A. Unified prepares globally competitive college- and career-ready graduates, and Cedrick is the latest example,” said School Board Member Mónica García, who represents the school. “Much more than a perfect score, we congratulate every individual who has supported Cedrick’s academic career – from his family at home to his family at school. With the proper support for every student in our district, we know 100 percent graduation is absolutely possible.”

Cedrick, who lives in East Los Angeles, took two AP courses last year, and is taking four this year, including Calculus BC, the next in the math sequence. He also earned perfect scores on the English and math sections of the ACT college-entrance exam. He managed these achievements while volunteering at the Bonnie Brae Convalescent Hospital, where both of his parents work.

Cedrick’s goal is to gain admission to Caltech as the first step toward a career with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

“These college-level courses require hard work and a strong commitment from our students, parents and teachers,” said Superintendent Michelle King. “I am very proud of what Cedrick, and other students, are able to accomplish with the guidance and support of their school and their parents.”

From ninth to 11th grades, Cedrick was taught by math teacher Anthony Yom, who is also the coordinator of the Math, Science and Technology Magnet at Lincoln. During Mr. Yom’s five years at Lincoln, every student in his AP Calculus classes has passed the rigorous exam.

“We make sure that our kids not only focus on math, but we have fun, too,” Mr. Yom said. “We’re changing the game here, and our students are learning they can master whatever the thing is that they want to do.”